Sheila croons for Delhi's official anthem

Delhiites may be apprehensive as to whether the games will really happen or not, given the everyday political uproar, but what’s most certain is that the games anthem, “Dilli Meri Jaan”’, by Delhi’s doctor-rocker Palash Sen will be released tomorrow evening at the Secretariat in the presence of quite a few dignitaries.
And people will soon hear the CM’s voice in it as well.What made her sing a few poetic lines in the anthem? Sources reveal that Palash insisted that she do it, and she finally agreed. Further, it emerges she has said that this anthem, made specially to encourage Delhi’s spirit during the games, will also be the official song to represent Delhi.
When we contacted Palash, he said, “The day Sheilaji approved this song (May 14) is the day that I asked her to sing the poetry as a part of it. She has spoken the beginning words... as in, she introduces the song. And through her words, she explains the sentiment of this anthem. When people will hear it, they will understand! We have used sarang, sarod, electric guitar, drums, tabla and many more instruments for it. It was Rina Ray (secretary, tourism, art and culture), who heard the song first and suggested I have the CM hear it. She has been a pillar of strength for me.” It’s not only Kinshuk, Palash’s son, whose voice will be heard in the chorus, but also of Kinshuk’s friends. Palash explains, “That’s the best way to connect with the youth who are the future of our country. We anyway pass on our legacy to our children, so I wanted to show that in the song as well.” Makes for a rare combination – lyrics by Dahlia, Palash’s sister, who is a lawyer by profession, mixing by Eric Pillai, sung by a Palash, his son and his son’s friends along with the CM. “Yes, she is 70, but a child at heart! And I am glad she agreed to sing,” says the Euphoria singer.
When Sheila Dikshit made a rather hush-hush visit to Palash’s residence in Saket on July 14 to record her part in ‘Dilli Meri Jaan’, TOI was there. Palash with his wife and mother, was eagerly waiting at the main door to escort the CM. When she finally arrived, the first thing that he did was to touch her feet. Along with two Euphoria band mates, Palash’s own family, Sindhu Mishra, secretary, Sahitya Kala Parishad and Rina Ray, the recording took place, and was over within 2 hours. When Sheila was done with her part, we asked her how the experience was, since this was her first time. She replied with a smile, “Oh! I am happy it went smoothly and Palash was very nice to not point out my mistakes. You know, I did it without being scolded!” After that day, when we met her at a recent art exhibition, she still sounded excited about it and said, “It’s came out really well.”
With ‘Dilli Meri Jaan’, Palash has tried to evoke a sense of belonging in the hearts of Delhiites. “The problem is that all Delhiites think of this city as... ‘Bas ek jagah hai... yahaan reh rahein hain.’ It’s convenient to pass the buck and blame others for the city’s condition, but when they say ‘Delhi is my home’ they should realise that a good home is not about how it is, it is about how you keep it. Aur hum log toh apna chhota sa ghar bhi har samay saaf nahin rakh saktey, still we step out and blame the caretakers of the city, saying, woh log toh Dilli ko saaf hi nahin kar saktey toh aur kya karengey,” explains the “Maeri” singer, adding, “Dilli bahot khoobsurat hai, par sab Dilliwaley nahin.”
Sheila Dikshit recites:
Sheher voh, jo ghar ban jaye,
Ajnabi bhi dost ban jaye,
Sheher voh jo rishta ban jaye
Mera ghar, mera pataa, meri shaan,
Dilli... meri jaan..
Lyrics of ‘Dilli Meri Jaan
Palash sings:
Ye sheher meri jaan, iska naam hai meri pehchaan,
Meri saanson mein basaa, iss hava ka nashaa,
Mera dil, mera pataa, meri shaan,
Dilli hai meri jaan... Dilli hai meri jaan..
Kehti koi kahaani, ye galiyaan ye bastiyaan,
Raahon ko sajaaye pedhon ki daaliyaan,
Sabse hai pyaara sheher hamara,
Mera dil, mera pataa, meri shaan...
Dilli hai meri jaan
Bhagta phir raha har insaan yahaan,
Dil mein hai basaaye jeene ka armaan,
Sabka sahaara, sheher hamara,
Mera dil, mera pataa, meri shaan,
Dilli hai meri jaan...
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